Three things about the space...I think the fridge does work best by the main sink, especially if the table is over there, too. The prep sink on the island is FOR the cooktop/range. Without it, you don't have a very functional kitchen. I think the island works best opposite the cooktop, but maybe just a bit smaller. The desk should be in the kitchen, IMHO, but not in the main work zones. By changing the island slightly and moving a stool to the end, you are no longer all lined up and it will be easier to visit with the cook and each other. Also, the desk chair should be the same height as the table chairs...that way you can move it over for extra seating, when needed. The banquette will give you MUCH more seating, because people can squeeze in, where chairs would take more room. Having the banquette on one side only, makes it easier for people to access and with outdoor fabric, a breeze to clean up. There are some beautiful outdoor fabrics (that look like indoor) that would be perfect for the banquette, cushions, chairs, etc. Oh, and I think the banquette will allow you to sit in the sun and take full advantage of the windows and view...although the windows will have to be a little higher from the floor, for the banquette. Hope this helps :) From Kitchen plans One more thing...why is the laundry door opening out? It would probably make more sense to swing into the room, against that right side (away from sink) but can't see entire space. This post was edited by lavender_lass on Mon, Feb 24, 14 at 18:45

Yes indeed! I'm thinking of getting a 36" counter depth side by side. There should be a foot between the fridge and the pillar, or I should nix the pantry on that side.

Perhaps an outlet in the pantry for a potential microwave? I’m no pro but have very similar needs to you and planning a very similar layout! So I’ll throw some of my ideas at you that I’m using. The RoomPlanner app might be helpful for you (even the free version) to lay it out. Here’s a screenshot from mine. You can’t get specific with cabinets but it still helps. I want a lot of lower drawers as well. On my baking station side I chose to do shelves to break up the cabinets and I’ll do jars of baking ingredients on them. Then to the left of the fridge is a cabinet that will open up and have a counter inside for our blender to sit on, coffee stuff may go there or on the baking station. I wanted the blender close to the fridge. My baking station will be 30” deep instead of standard depth which will make my fridge look like a counter depth fridge, deepen the blender cabinet, and provide me with more usable counter in front of counter top appliances. I’m considering Ikea cabinets with custom fronts from somewhere like Scherrs or Semihandmande I think is the other, or possibly all out custom. If I do Ikea cabinets I’ll just have them installed more forward for the deeper baking station (except for the blender cabinet I’d need a custom solution) and the counter tops will hide the gap. I’d love to see your project progress as it’s so similar to mine but you’re ahead of me!

Jumping around like a jack rabbit is right. Just a lot of things going on. Not sure if I mentioned yet that I'm actually in my last semester of college finishing up 2 degrees. It's been a hectic time handling my last class (basically finished in 3.5 years aside from 1 class that was only available in spring) and having to work double what I had been doing to cover expenses. The roommates I'm looking to get can't move til the semester is over, so it'd be like June 1st. But, back to the main question. The house stuff. What bugs me most entirely about the house? I would say it's the lack of a view to the front and back yard (as well as a sense of a door to the backyard). That's why I'm so stuck on the addition idea. It would really improve the appearance, lessen that trailer park look, and split off the yard to have a front and back. But as mentioned, that may not bring the return value in the end. The neighborhood is new and developing. I dont think adding it would be too far above my neighbors. There's a few houses I'd say are a quite a bit nicer. I think the oldest house in the area is like 2001? But this suburb is currently only 4 streets wide and about 20 houses long. Only 2 streets are full. If anything the addition might actually make my house fit better to the houses on either side of me. Ive briefly asked a contractor or two about the idea and I was getting numbers less than I actually expect. Between $10K and 15K. Which in my position is quite a lot, but I just would've expected between 25K and 30K? While I do love the idea of a pergola or a patio out front (or the side technically), I still wanted that sense of a front and back door walk out from a living room feel. Again, I know I'm stubborn and I've got a lot of ideas beyond my financial capacity until I get into a solid job, but spitting ideas back and forth actually is enlightening and helpful.